Dan DeWall, of Manson, has announced his candidacy for the Iowa House District 7 seat. He will compete with Wendy Larson, of Odebolt, for his party’s nomination in a district convention next week.

Rachel Burns, of Odebolt, is the Democratic candidate for the seat.

A lifelong Pocahontas County farmer and small business owner, DeWall farms with his son, Carl DeWall, and owns DeWall Financial in Gilmore City.

“I’ve spent my life working the land, running a small business and serving others through community leadership,”DeWall said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I understand firsthand the challenges facing our families, farmers and rural communities. I’m the most prepared to bring those experiences and work ethic to the state House.”

DeWall previously served three terms on the Manson Northwest Webster Board of Education and on the Calhoun County Economic Development and Region 5 Iowa Workforce boards.

He and his wife, Cindy, have three children and four grandchildren, and are active members of Faith Community Church in Palmer.

As a representative, DeWall said he would be committed to responsible government spending, strengthening rural communities and supporting Iowa’s family farms. He vowed to also be a strong defender of constitutional rights, life, family values, and law enforcement. He said he will oppose any use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines or private gain to ensure landowners’ rights are fully protected.

The nominating convention will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Calhoun County Courthouse in Rockwell City.

The special election will be held Dec. 9.

House District 7 includes Calhoun, Pocahontas and Sac counties plus the western part of Webster County.

Sexton, a Republican from Rockwell City, had represented the district since 2015. He resigned Sept. 19 to become the director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s rural development programs in Iowa.